Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has defended his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that his decision was not aimed at destroying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was motivated by the party's diminishing prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking through the state's Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, at a press briefing in Asaba on Thursday, Governor Oborevwori explained that his administration's primary focus remains advancing Delta State's development agenda.

"Our desire is not to kill PDP but to move Delta forward, and so we changed our driving pattern. It was obvious that PDP won't make headway in the forthcoming 2027 election, and so [there was] need to move to APC," the governor stated through his commissioner.

The defection, which has sent ripples through Delta's political landscape, also involved former PDP running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and several other party chieftains in the state who have crossed over to the ruling APC.

Administration's Achievements

Defending his administration's performance record, Aniagwu highlighted several infrastructure projects that have been completed in less than two years of Oborevwori's governance.

"In almost two years, we can see very bold and remarkable achievements by Governor Oborevwori and his team. We have provided roads in various communities, reducing travel time from Asaba to Ughelli to just one hour and forty-five minutes," he said.

The commissioner dismissed criticisms regarding the government's effectiveness, asserting, "Anyone suggesting that the administration is losing grip is far from the truth. We remain committed to delivering results."

This political realignment comes at a critical time as political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections. Governor Oborevwori's defection represents a significant shift in Delta State's political configuration, potentially altering the balance of power in the South-South region where the PDP has traditionally maintained strong support.

Political analysts view this move as part of a broader strategy by the APC to consolidate its presence in the South-South ahead of the next electoral cycle, while the PDP faces the challenge of maintaining its relevance in one of its former strongholds.